This Blind Abilities episode shines a spotlight on internships for blind and low-vision students—and why starting early can open real doors. Tou Yang and Randi Lasher from State Services for the Blind of Minnesota (SSB), break down how high school and college students can access paid and unpaid internships that build skills, confidence, and career momentum. Listeners learn what internships really are, why they matter beyond just a paycheck, and how they connect classroom learning to real-world experience. The conversation highlights how SSB helps students explore careers, prepare for post-secondary education, advocate for themselves, and find meaningful internship opportunities across Minnesota. From local city programs to statewide options in technology, healthcare, STEM, public service, and more, this episode makes one thing clear: opportunities exist—but timing matters. Whether you're planning for summer, next year, or your future career path, this episode gives students practical guidance, resources, and motivation to take action and get ahead.

Links to Internship Opportunities mentioned in this episode:

• Handshake - Summer Internships for College Students

· Step Up - Kick Start Your Career with Step Up (Minneapolis)

· Right Start - Youth Jobs Internships (St. Paul)

· Genisis Works - Where Tomorrow's Work Force Begins

· Urban Scholars - Internships and Training

· Scrubs Camp - Medical Careers

· Seeds Student Worker Program

· Phoenix Student Worker Program - Science, Technology, engineering or Mathematics

· State of Minnesota Careers Interns and Student Workers

· BrookLynk- Summer Student Internship Program (Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park)

· Tree Trust Summer Students Internships

· Three Rivers Park Internship Program

· The Brand lab - Marketing and Graphic Design Program

· the Minnesota Historical Society - Work in a Museum!

· SSB Youth Services Work Based Learning and Work Readiness opportunities

· Career Force Locations in Minnesota

To find out more about the services provided at State Services for the Blind, and what they can do for you, contact Shane DeSantis at [email protected] or call Shane at 651-385-5205.

Full Transcript

Thanks for listening!